Graduate Professional Conference September 6th, 2014

Bryan MoschelAssociate Director, The Graduate School

Montclair State University

Public Speaking: Tips & Techniques

Jerry Seinfeld

“According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Lack of Positive Experience Being the Center of Attention Feelings of Isolation Being Judged by an Audience Fear of FailureAll of which are part of:

Public Speaking Anxiety

Why Do We Hate Public Speaking?

Not one, but 4 types:- Pre-preparation Anxiety – Can’t get started- Preparation Anxiety – During research and

preparation- Pre-performance Anxiety – 24 hours before

a presentation

- Performance Anxiety – During the actual presentation

Public Speaking Anxiety

We tend to remember poignant feelings and emotions more than everyday ones.

How many times have you attempted public speaking?

Reflect on these experiences - how did you prepare for each occasion?

In most cases, it’s not positive experience we are lacking…

– just actual experience.

Lack of Positive Experience

Everyone is staring at you! Why? Because you are the EXPERT on the content that

you are delivering. Being comfortable comes from being confident. Remember - eye contact is a two way street.

Being the Center of Attention

Are you really alone? You are in total control of your presentation. If possible, add audience engagement.

Feelings of Isolation

You ARE being judged…. How do you judge people initially? Work backwards. You will know how you are perceived very quickly Confidence is key. Knowledge = power.

Being Judged By An Audience

Perceived Race/Ethnicity Accent/Dialect Style of Dress Body Language Relative Level of Intelligence/Education Other Physical Traits (i.e. height, weight,

intelligence, attractiveness)

What Impression Do You Leave in 30 Seconds?

Audiences want to be entertained or informed. No one asks to be bored.

Audience wants you to be successful in your goals.

What is the worst that can happen? Figured it out? Now prepare to prevent. List everything that you can control and plan to

manage it.

A Healthy Fear of Failure Helps!

“90% of how well the talk will go is determined before the speaker steps on the platform.” 

Somers White

Prepare the right way. Start by answering these questions:

What is the specific purpose of your speech? What is your topic? Who is your audience? What are your time constraints? Will you be using visual aids?

How Can I Become a Better Speaker?

Start with structure – Formal Outline, Speakers Outline (smaller and smaller)

Topic selection – how to choose? Mapping technique Start broad, work towards narrow Don’t throw out your notes – prime ground for

main points and supporting material. Are there any topics/subject matter to avoid?

How to Prepare for Your Speech

Audience demographics Size Presentation space Audience’s current knowledge of topic Diversity

Other Important Factors

How much is too much? Overinform: Cramming too much material into

too short an amount of time Underinform: Overestimating how much material

that you have. Memorizing – one of the WORST things you can

do. Rehearse….and then rehearse again. Your

speech will be ingrained in you.

Time Constraints

Structure: Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them.

Make sure everything has a beginning, middle, and end.

Ask yourself if you are meeting audience expectations.

Knowing time also helps you pace yourself!

Organization

Visual aids – need to assist, not be the star of the show.

What is the best type of display to help you prove your point?

What method of display is most effective to helping you achieve your goals?

Will your presentation support any kind of technology?

Visual Element

Mark Twain

“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”

“There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.”

Common qualities in speakers: - Nervousness (shaking, turning red) - Anxiety (healthy amount is OK) - Looking down/back of room - Staying stationary/moving too much - Speaking at varying volumes

Pre-Performance Tips

The Visual Channel – competence, trustworthiness, and character.

7% words, 38% voice, 55% nonverbal communication

What can you control?- Dress- Eye Contact

- Body language - Vocal Variety

Pre-Performance Tips

Dress code - First impressions matter – you are judged positively or negatively by your audience immediately. - Dress should match tone of speech - Dress in clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident.

Pre-Performance Tips

Eye contact - Two way street – not a “staring contest”. - Keeps everyone invested and involved. - Pay equal attention to everyone in the room. - Works in conjunction with head movement. - Key is finding the right speed for your comfort.

Pre-Performance Tips

Body Language - Not an “act”. - Use gestures that feel natural. - Be mindful of your hands at all times. - Movement helps – but decide how much you will move well in advance.

Best way to prepare – record yourself in a similar environment

Pre-Performance Tips

Vocal Variety - Voice analysis – loud, silent, animated, steady - Language needs to be consistent. - Use of pauses – become comfortable with silence - Identify and be aware of crutch words

Pre-Performance Tips

Rehearse, don’t memorize! - Sentence outline – Phrase outline – Keyword outline - Less is more. - If you bring it, you will use it. - Make sure your Speaker Outline is different than your Formal Outline. - Determine the “right” amount of time to rehearse.

Pre-Performance Tips

Final Pre-Performance Tips: Night before speech - Good nights sleep/meals - Finalize your routine - Avoid too much caffeine - What’s done is done - visualize success.

Pre-Performance Tips

Record your work Get to presentation space well in advance. Know your introduction – smooth sailing after

that. Breathing techniques Hydrate yourself properly Bring water, but be careful If you make a mistake, don’t be afraid to

acknowledge it.

Performance Tips

Congratulate yourself for a job well done. Get objective feedback. Watch/listen to yourself 24 hours later. Make notes on how to improve in the future.

Post-Performance Tips

Bryan Moschel Associate Director, The Graduate School moschelb@mail.montclair.edu (973) 655-6812

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